Just one game remains for three clubs to fight it out for one play-off place
John Lundstram reacts after Hull City’s defeat at Charlton Athletic(Image: Sean Troup/Shutterstock)
Hull City go into the final weekend of the Championship season still in with a shot of winning promotion, but know they must get their job done against Norwich City.
Another captivating campaign draws to a close and will do so in dramatic fashion in the race for automatic promotion and the final play-off spot.
After a weekend which saw both Wrexham and City beaten away from home, Derby County were the only winners to close the gap on the two above them to just one point.
Come 12:30pm on Saturday, Wrexham will host play-off rivals Middlesbrough, with Norwich City the visitors to the MKM Stadium while struggling Sheffield United head to Pride Park.
Given how tight it is for that final play-off spot, here’s a look at the play-off permutations…
As it stands
Wrexham go into Saturday on 70 points along with the Tigers, with Derby a point back on 69. Wrexham’s goal difference is +4, City’s is +3, and the Rams have the advantage at +9.
If all three win, then it will come down to the margin of victory for both the Red Dragons and City. For Derby to gatecrash the party at the eleventh hour, they need at least a point, and to hope both of the teams above them lose, and then they would qualify by virtue of their stronger goal difference.
What happens if goal difference is level?
Next in line would be goals scored. Ahead of the final games, City have netted one more than Wrexham’s 67 and two above Derby’s 66.
In the event that the goal difference happened to be level, and then goals scored, then it would fall down to head-to-head. In that unlikely scenario, City would prevail, having beaten Wrexham twice in the Championship this season. Sergej Jakirovic’s side also hold the advantage over the Rams. They lost 2-1 at Pride Park earlier in the season, but were 4-2 winners at the MKM Stadium in February.
Who plays who?
All three games kick off at 12:30pm on Saturday, with television selections yet to be confirmed. Those are expected on Wednesday, after Southampton’s huge meeting with Ipswich Town on Tuesday.
Wrexham vs Middlesbrough
Hull City vs Norwich City
Derby County vs Sheffield United
What’s the form?
Wrexham: DLLWWL
City: DDLDDL
Derby: LWLWLW
Here’s the layout of the deciding criteria if required
- Points
- Goal difference
- Goals scored
- Head-to-head results
- Wins
- Away goals
- Disciplinary record
- Straight red cards
- A play-off would then be required